Portsmouth, Virginia to host 23rd Annual UMOJA Festival

Portsmouth, VA -- The City of Portsmouth will host the 23rd Annual UMOJA Festival starting on Friday, May 24 at 5:30pm running through Sunday, May 26th. This three-day festival will take place at nTelos Wireless Pavilion and Festival Park.

The festival represents the rich heritage of African culture and the manner in which it weaves into our national tapestry. Festival visitors are introduced to the continent through art, performance, entertainment, demonstration, music, and food. A marketplace of sculptures, paintings, prints, baskets, and other assorted handcrafted wares and jewelry contribute to the ambiance of the UMOJA Festival. While children's activities are a specialty at the festival, this year is no exception, with a Kids Corner featuring storytelling, bounce houses, coloring contests, games and crafts with origins in several African countries.

Admission to UMOJA Festival is free with the exception of the musical acts at nTelos Wireless Pavilion on Saturday night. Free music performances include: Reggie Gist, Forte Jazz Band, TFC Band, Heatwave, Jody Brown, Phazz II, Against All Odds, Strictly Business, The Fuzz Band, Piney Grove Baptist Church Choir, Early Bynum & Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Eric Taylor and Alvin Slaughter.

Saturday night’s concert at nTelos Wireless Pavilion include nationally acclaimed musical guests Chaka Kahn and Tony! Toni! Tone!. Tickets for this concert can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or nTelos Wireless Pavilion Box Office.